Former England international Joe Cole insists ex-team mate Scott Sinclair’s move to Celtic was a “match made in heaven”.
The experienced 28-year-old completed a move to the Scottish giants on a four-year deal last summer following a disappointing spell with Aston Villa, as they were relegated from the Premier League.
Sinclair had earlier seen his career stutter, with an £8million move to Premier League giants Manchester City in 2012 proving unsuccessful in handing the attacker regular opportunities to shine on the big-stage.
He made only 19 appearances across his three-year stay at the Etihad, but his move to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic a year ago has brought the very best out of the left-sided attacking star once again.
The former Chelsea youngster hammered home an incredible 25 goals and 11 assists during his debut season in Scotland last term, and ex-Blues team-mate Cole insists it was a fantastic move for him.
He told the Daily Record: “Scott’s a top player. When he went to Celtic I remember saying to myself it was a match made in heaven. He was going back to work with his former manager who would look after him.
“And he was going to a big club – Scott always liked the big stage. He’s a strong boy – nothing fazes him. I’m so pleased for him it has worked out the way it has. Scott deserves everything he gets out the game.
“It’s not to Scott’s detriment he failed to make the breakthrough at Chelsea or City. The timing just wasn’t right for him. He had to go away and learn his trade before ending up at Celtic.”
Sinclair had previously played under Rodgers at Swansea, where he played a vital role on their route to the Premier League during the 2012-13 season, where they have since remained.
He netted 19 league goals as they earned promotion from the Championship in 2013, contributing to a total of 36 goals in all competitions for the Welsh club.
The former England Under-21 international remains uncapped by the senior international side, but his performances for Celtic last term warranted talk over a potential future call-up for the winger.
Sinclair has previously made it clear that he retains an ambition to breakthrough into Gareth Southgate’s plans for the England senior side, while Cole has also backed him to earn recognition on the biggest stage.